tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44451001261159097952024-02-02T14:22:13.896-08:00RedSunflower DesignsRedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-79323723991994757592012-01-31T14:02:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:02:04.592-08:00We're Moving!
Hello all!
This is just an FYI that this blog has been migrated over to another spot:
Good In My Soul
Why would I do this, you ask? Long story short: I enjoy blogging, but I'm not a true writer. And I find it difficult to always have something useful to say. So, I'm migrating the three blogs that I have into one to simplify life and allow me more time to RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-75414897988372061632012-01-15T15:09:00.000-08:002012-01-15T15:09:27.074-08:00Getting Back to Business
RedSunflower Designs is officially back open for business! My Etsy shop is open again, and you'll notice many of the changes I mentioned at the end of 2011. The main products that remain are the body butters, lotions, perfumes, face masks, and milk baths. Other products such as bath salts and lip balms will be available as limited editions going forward, perhaps a couple of RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-61576241096952023002011-12-14T09:11:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:11:56.988-08:00Fight Dry Winter Skin Naturally
I don't know about you, but every winter it's the same thing: dry, red, itchy skin. Now this is one thing on your arms and legs, but quite another on your face, especially when you wear makeup to work/school/etc every day. As part of my effort to live as naturally as possible, I've been perfecting how to deal with this for the past couple of years, and wanted to share these with you all. So RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-46051105723644429482011-12-07T11:47:00.000-08:002011-12-07T11:47:01.034-08:00RedSunflower Designs in 2012As 2011 draws quickly to a close, I always try to use these last few weeks of the year to reflect on on the year gone by. How were sales? What could I do to improve my products and customer service, and my offerings? What, if anything, should go?
Due to running out of a few key supplies earlier than expected and suppliers being back-ordered, I had to go ahead and close my shop early RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-60894754234430655702011-11-30T07:57:00.000-08:002011-11-30T07:57:00.234-08:00Natural GardeningIn September, I moved from Seattle back to the East Coast, which meant moving from a one-bedroom apt in to a townhouse with a deck and a small (okay, very small) area for gardening, which I'm so happy about! But the location I live in now has a fair amount of rain, abundant sun, and rich soil, which is the perfect storm for weeds. I know one woman's weed is another woman's dandelion, RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-57076390841260980622011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T08:00:04.480-08:00Clean The Car, Save The EnvironmentI'm one of those people who loves a clean car, but hates putting all of those chemicals into the ground. There are natural, mass-produced products out there, but they're out of my budget, and I hate having to buy a product that only has maybe one use. A big fan of having multi-use products, I came up with my own formulas for a natural carwash!
You'll need: a gallon of water
aboutRedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-677395862394866342011-11-23T08:12:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:12:00.106-08:00Remove Rust NaturallyRust is one of those things I really hate having to deal with. (When was my last tetanus shot again?) I do my best to prevent it from occurring in the first place, but sometimes it just happens no matter what you do. If you have a home and garden, you've likely seen rust on those expensive tools you bought. If that's the case (or you need a rust remover for other items) RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-26894381693935523062011-11-21T08:11:00.000-08:002011-11-21T08:11:00.379-08:00DIY Rug DeodorizerWe walk on our floors, dragging in dirt, germs, and everything we come into contact with outside our homes. And if you add pets and children to the mix, watch out! Nothing would make me happier than to rip up the carpet and refinish the hardwood floors underneath. But as a renter, this isn't an option. So what can we do to at least mask any potential odors?
Here's what RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-54050584443026093102011-11-19T10:31:00.000-08:002011-11-19T10:31:00.275-08:00DIY Cleaners: Nature's PledgeI love having the wood furniture in my house be clean and smelling great. And as much as I love the job that Pledge does and the scent left behind, I'm left wondering what chemicals I've put into the air in my home for me and my family to breath in. So, I created what I call my "faux Pledge"!
Here's what you'll need:1 part Murphy's Oil Soap
1.5 parts distilled water
5-7 drops sweet RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-4135327586113138932011-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:002011-11-16T08:15:00.787-08:00Natural Toilet CleanerFor many, cleaning the toilet is THE most dreaded chore. It's also one of the things that we routinely clean with chemicals that we touch regularly and that puts chemicals directly into the environment. So why not do something that will clean is quickly, while freshening and being eco-friendly?
You'll need:a spray bottle
2 parts distilled water
1/2 part liquid castile soap
1 RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-91134023060693736842011-11-14T08:03:00.000-08:002011-11-14T08:03:00.104-08:00Natural Soft Scrubber FormulaI usually find that showers need alittle extra TLC in comparison to the rest of the bathroom when it comes to cleaning. I used to live in a really old apartment building, which meant a porcelain tub and tiles with grout. And while I liked the older feel to this bath, it was a total nightmare to clean, especially the grout. So I came up with a natural soft scrubber formula to useRedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-29455489000461976972011-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:002011-11-12T10:15:01.400-08:00Natural Mirror & Glass CleanerAs a photographer, I am really picky about how the glass on my frames look. I also really like to have my mirrors and windows be spotless, so I was incredibly excited when I discovered this formula. It works better than any glass & mirror cleaner I've ever used.
Here's what you'll need:1 part distilled vinegar
1/3 part distilled water
15 drops lemon essential oil
spray bottle
RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-68853650985690704662011-11-09T08:04:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:04:00.075-08:00DIY Natural All-Purpose CleanerI love all-purpose cleaners. You don't have to constantly switch from one cleaner and cleaning rag to another, they work wonders on lots of different surfaces, and ultimately, it means fewer bottles in the cabinet. But alot of those that are commercially-produced have alot of chemicals that I don't want to inhale, and I don't want my kids or pets coming into contact with either. So, RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-41414737271363821572011-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-07T08:00:12.222-08:00Natural Sink ScrubsAnyone who has a porcelain or stainless steel sink can verify how much trouble it can be to keep them looking nice. Many times, the mass producted natural cleaners don't seem to quite stand up to their more toxic and traditional cousins. Now you can make your own sink scrubs that will make your sinks sparkle and shine!
Here's what you'll need:1 part baking soda
1 part dried sage, RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-45702268502442278972011-11-05T10:08:00.000-07:002011-11-05T10:08:00.377-07:00Natural Dishwashing SoapWashing dishes is, hands down, my least favorite chore. Alas, it's something that must be done. But just because you have to do it doesn't mean you have to harm the environment, or your skin. So I'm going to show you three formulas to make your own natural dishwashing soap! You'll need:liquid castile soap
15-20 drops lavender essential oil (#1)
10 drops lemon, 10 drops RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-6238206527016679962011-11-02T07:56:00.000-07:002011-11-02T07:56:00.117-07:00Essential Oils& Herbs for CleaningThere are SO many essential oils out there, how can you know which to use when making your cleaning products? I'm fortunate to have most any oil I would need in my repertoire due to my business, but many people don't, and there's no need for you to run out and buy them all. We're all on a budget these days, and need to save money wherever possible.
Let's start with the herbs &&RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-90721829913374421782011-10-29T09:35:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:35:00.416-07:00DIY Natural Cleaners: The BasicsI've heard it time and time again: "Making my own cleaners sounds great, but I don't even know where to start. I don't have alot of time, and honestly, I don't want to have to buy a bunch of special stuff." Does this sound familiar? If so, good news; I can show you how to simply and quickly make your own cleaners, using ingredients many of us already have.
Here are RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-84758771253225345802011-10-26T08:02:00.000-07:002011-10-26T08:02:00.193-07:00DIY Natural Cleaners: An IntroSorry I've been away from this blog for so long. At the beginning of September, I moved across the country, from Seattle back to the East Coast. It's a decision I'm very happy about and and finally getting settled enough to recommit to blogging more regularly. But enough about that; let's get to the good stuff!
At a time when the economy is still a concern, and we're trying to beRedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-31058375752714726962011-10-05T08:04:00.000-07:002011-10-05T08:04:00.752-07:00Aromatherapy Baths for Natural HealingMany of us enjoy a nice, hot bath at the end of a long day. It's relaxing. But did you know that, if you use the right products, it can actually help to heal your body and keep you healthy?
Bathing in dead sea salts infused with essential oils can help restore your body and replenish your soul. For centuries, people have traveled to the Dead Sea to benefit from its healing mineral RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-39370535990644904792011-10-03T08:30:00.000-07:002011-10-03T08:30:01.708-07:00Treat Migraines NaturallyAs a longtime sufferer of migraines, I can sympathize with the excruciating pain, the hours lost, and the constant search to find a better treatment than expensive pills. As I've turned to a more holistic, nature-based lifestyle, I have fewer and fewer migraines, so I wanted to share with you what I've found to be effective.
Many doctors agree that aromatherapy, if used properly, canRedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-58979228426657924302011-09-28T08:28:00.000-07:002011-09-28T08:28:01.380-07:00What Essential Oils Help with Stress?Stress is something that most all of us experience on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. Luckily, there is a 100% natural solution to help with stress: essential oils & aromatherapy.
Stress is extremely unhealthy, leading to things such as: heart disease, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal. Unfortunately, we can only control so much of the stressRedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-41943229068658961472011-09-26T08:06:00.000-07:002011-09-26T08:06:00.723-07:00How To Best Use AromatherapyAromatherapy has long played an important part in my life. I've been working with essential oils, creating my own blends and products for over 10 years now. As I was talking to a friend about how I create my blends this week, I realized that not everyone is aware of all the ways to use aromatherapy. And thus, this article was born!
The science of aromatherapy is very old, as RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-83366865034902450712011-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:002011-09-22T08:48:00.799-07:00Benefit of Aromatherapy CandlesCandles are one of my absolute favorite things. Combine candles and aromatherapy? I'm in heaven!
There are alot of different situations where aromatherapy is beneficial: creating a warm and inviting mood, relieving a headache, relaxation, seduction, the list goes on and on. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural substances to improve health and influence mood, RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-35774239606480931612011-07-27T07:29:00.000-07:002011-07-27T07:29:00.753-07:00Natural Beauty: Shea ButterShea butter has been used by many cultures around the world for centuries, and is considered a staple in a number of cosmetic products. You can easily find it in many stores as well as online, and can be found with it's natural aroma preserved, or in an unscented variety, as well as organic or conventional. But what are it's origins, and why is it so special?
Shea butter is derived RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-87980442414705169162011-07-25T07:40:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:40:00.175-07:00Natural Beauty: Beer for Hair RepairWe've all heard that beer is great for your hair. This is one that fairly common knowledge, but I wanted to discuss today the "why" behind it.
Beer is a great source of Vitamin B for your hair due to the malt and hops, which are said to boost volume. Also, it's a wondeful aid to repair hair that has been damaged by chemical processing, sun, chlorine, pollution, smoke, etc. Washing RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0